OSU athletes get rolling in the 11th annual basketball bash

An all-star squad of both men and women varsity athletes will take on the OSU Spokes Wheelchair basketball team in the 11th Annual Basketball Bash on April 2 at 7 p.m. in Gallagher-Iba Arena.

“The basketball bash is an innovative way to show fellow athletes and the entire OSU community the talents behind adaptive sports,” Adaptive Sports Coordinator within the Department of Wellness, Stacy Pinney said.

All proceeds will go toward raising funds for the Spokes team. Because of the special needs of these athletes, travel is quite expensive and each athlete is responsible for paying his or her own way. The event also allows funding for more scholarship opportunities. Admission is free but donations will be collected the night of the event.

“The bash is a fun way for people to come show their support of the OSU Spokes basketball team and for OSU to gain awareness of students with disabilities,” Pinney said.

All players will be required to use a wheelchair that meets the requirements of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association. The basketball hoops are the standard hoops that the OSU basketball teams use and have no special exceptions.

“The height of the seat rail must be no more than 21 inches. Measurement must be made from ground or court to the top of the seat rail bar (highest point) with player in the chair,” according to the NWBA website.

The Spokes basketball team is excited to play another exhibition game with other OSU athletes. The game is open to the public.

“Any support provided for the Spokes team is greatly appreciated and we hope you will come out to support OSU’s disabled athletes,” Pinney said.

The OSU Department of Wellness is committed to creating a healthy campus culture for students, faculty and staff. The department seeks to promote healthy lifestyles and lifelong learning through the highest quality programs in the areas of wellness and recreation.

For more information or if interested in making a donation to the team, please contact Stacy Pinney at 405-744-8538 or stacy.pinney@okstate.edu.